But now there was not one in that assembly daring enough to take them
openly by the hand.
Just when they believed themselves all-powerful they were rudely
precipitated from their lordly eminence. Disgrace and perhaps punishment
were to be their portion.
Heroic to the last, the bride endeavored to stay the tide of retreating
guests.
Stationing herself near the door, with her most bewitching smile upon
her lips, Madame Blanche spared neither flattering words nor entreaties
in her efforts to reassure the deserters.
Vain attempt! Useless sacrifice! Many ladies were not sorry of an
opportunity to repay the young Marquise de Sairmeuse for the disdain and
the caustic words of Blanche de Courtornieu.
Soon all the guests, who had so eagerly presented themselves that
morning, had disappeared, and there remained only one old gentleman who,
on account of his gout, had deemed it prudent not to mingle with the
crowd.
He bowed in passing before the young marquise, and blushing at this
insult to a woman, he departed as the others had done.
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